Hearing on the own-initiative opinion on "The core role of trade and investment in meeting and implementing the SDGs", Brussels

Atomium in Brussel
© Kevin Bergenhenegouwen
date September 5, 2017
city Brussels, Belgium
organisation European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) i

The hearing will aim to identify how trade and investment policies can contribute to the achievement of SDGs.

The main questions which will be discussed during the debate will include:

  • Can trade and sustainable development be mutually reinforcing?
  • How can trade policy be used as a tool for implementing the SDGs? Are there any concrete examples from the EU trade and investment policy that can be used as best practices?
  • Are there SDGs, which are particularly dependent on the existence on an open, rule-based, equitable multilateral trade system?
  • What should be the role of private sector in achieving SDGs through trade and investment policies?
  • Can civil society be instrumental in achieving SDGs through trade policy?
  • How can ''Aid for trade'' be an efficient tool for achieving SDGs?

1.

European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an EU advisory body comprising representatives of workers' and employers' organisations and other interest groups. It issues opinions on EU issues to the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, thus acting as a bridge between the EU's decision-making institutions and EU citizens.

What does the EESC do?

It gives the interest groups a formal say on EU legislative proposals. Its 3 key tasks are to:

  • ensure that EU policy and law are geared to economic and social conditions, by seeking a consensus that serves the common good

2.

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